Big Idea: Light is a wave which can be detected by the eye and is interpreted by the brain.

Lesson 6: Making an Image

Learning Intention: Predict where an image will form using a convex lens
by drawing a ray diagram.

Starter: Online starter Firefly

Spot the difference. Student idea-space
• What is different about these two images of an energy
saving light bulb?

• Using a lens • Using a mirror

• Projected • Reflected
• Magnified • Same size
What is a Real image?

• A real image is an image where the light rays DO

ACTUALLY CROSS so that the image is projectable.

• If you cannot project an image it only looks as though

the light is coming from somewhere and the image
cannot be projected. We call this a Virtual image.

Can you think of any examples? Discuss.

Projecting images using a lens.
• Observing the image of a light globe in a convex lens.
• Your teacher will show the image of light globe projected onto a sheet of paper.
• Can you always clearly see the image? (discuss)

(add this to your notes)

No! There is one point where the image is in FOCUS. We need to

put the screen where the light rays are focused by the lens
Is this image focused? Answer the question and explain your answer.
What are convex lenses used for in real life?
Can you think of any more?
Types of lens
Just like mirrors there are two basic types of lens. They are also
called concave and convex… can you guess which is which?

We will only be using Convex lenses.

Properties of a convex lens
• The distance a screen must be placed to focus an image from a
long way away is called the focal length. The spot where the light
focusses is called the focal point.
• The principal axis is a line through
the centre of the lens… a bit like
the normal line.
What about nearer objects?
Objects that aren’t a long way away will not focus at the focal point. They need the
screen to be at the right distance compared with how far the object is from the screen.

You are reading this now at a distance that lets your eye focus the words on the back of
your eye. If you move your head there is a lens in your eye that changes shape to keep
the words in focus.

HOWEVER

If you get too close your lens cannot change shape enough so the image will be blurry.

Place your eyes 1cm from the paper. Can you read the text now?

To find out where to put the screen for a nearby object we need to use a LENS
DIAGRAM
Predictable ray 1
A ray coming parallel to the principal axis will pass
through the opposite focus

focus focus
principal axis
Predictable ray 2
A ray coming through the focus will pass out parallel to the principal axis

focus focus
Predictable ray 3
A ray coming through the very centre of the lens will pass straight
through in a straight line.

focus focus
Ray construction rules.
 Example: We will do this together…. You MUST use a ruler and a sharp pencil.
Continue
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the other ray. axis.
here you’d need to place a screen

The image is smaller, inverted (upside down)

and real (the light rays DO actually cross)

This works like a camera making a small image of a bigger thing.

Now try the others by yourself… there is a simulator on firefly that can help
you to see what the final result should look like.

Can you describe the image?

The image is Real, the same size and inverted.
Can you describe the image?
This makes a REAL image but Magnified… this is like a wall projector, making a bigger image
of a smaller thing.
This one is a trick one… it will never focus.
Draw the rays and try to explain WHY it will never focus.

When the object is at the focal length, the image

the rays will never cross.
will not form because…………………………………………………………………………………
In this one the rays spread apart after going through the lens… try tracing them backwards
with dashed lines… do these dashed line cross? What does this mean?

Add this to your notes…

The lines LOOK as though they cross so this is a VIRTUAL IMAGE… it is also
MAGNIFIED. This is how a magnifying glass works.
Plenary
What is the difference between a lens and a mirror?
Things to think about: which law does it use, what happens to light when it meets
it, what does it look like, what types of devices use it?
Lens Mirror
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